11:43 PM,
Jun. 17, 2013

'I want You' by James Montgomery Flagg, was printed on 4 million posters for World War I recruiting efforts.

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When James Montgomery Flagg, on a tight deadline, and with few ideas, drew his version of Uncle Sam for a Leslie's Illustrated Weekly magazine cover illustration to accompany its story calling for support in expanding American military forces, he penned one of the most iconic illustrations in American history.

The drawing was featured on the cover of the July 16, 1916, issue with an article called "What are you doing for preparedness?" On April 6, 1917, the U.S. declared war on Germany, and the 39-year-old Flagg was prepared to serve his country as New York State's official military artist; ...